[NHCOLL-L:3475] RE: FW: Bird mounts

[Moore, Simon]

Hi,

I have come in on the 'tail end' of this issue.  Have you tried using
Document Cleaning powder (from Lineco).  It's excellent at getting
ingrained dirt out of feathers and fur without them needing to get wet.
Just massage the powder in gently and then vac it out afterwards. 


With all good wishes, 
Simon Moore, MIScT, FLS, ACR,
Senior Conservator of Natural Sciences. 
Hampshire County Council
Recreation & Heritage Department,
Museums & Archives Service,
Chilcomb House, Chilcomb Lane,
Winchester SO23 8RD. UK.
Internal  8 327 6737
01962 826737
http://www.hants.gov.uk/museum/biology 

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-nhcoll-l at lists.yale.edu
[mailto:owner-nhcoll-l at lists.yale.edu] On Behalf Of White, Rich
Sent: 20 June 2007 17:37
To: Shirley.Albright at sos.state.nj.us
Cc: nhcoll-l at lists.yale.edu
Subject: [NHCOLL-L:3468] RE: FW: Bird mounts

You have two separate issues here.  The cleaning is a straightforward
process.  There are a number of different systems used for such
cleaning.  We use a gentle steam cleaner here, and have for many years,
with no adverse effects on the mounts.  Some of the larger taxidermists
(that is, large taxidermy firms, not large taxidermists) can do the work
quite adequately.  If you hold out for a "taxidermy conservator" I'd
guess you'll be spending a great deal more money for very little
additional expertise, if any.

The issue Shirley brings up about arsenic is another thing altogether.
There are test kits available, and protocols for wipe-testing the
surface.  I think I remember seeing an article in Collections Forum
about this.  If the mounts are not going to be where they can be touched
by the public, then there is little problem.

Rich

Richard S. White, Jr.
Director
International Wildlife Museum
4800 West Gates Pass Road
Tucson, Arizona 85745
520-629-0100 extension 252
Fax: 520-618-3561


-----Original Message-----
From: owner-nhcoll-l at lists.yale.edu
[mailto:owner-nhcoll-l at lists.yale.edu] On Behalf Of Shirley Albright
Sent: Wednesday, June 20, 2007 8:30 AM
To: nhcoll-l at lists.yale.edu
Subject: [NHCOLL-L:3466] FW: Bird mounts

I'm forwarding this request from a colleague who could use some advice.
Please respond to him AND to the list.   I'm sure there are others in
similar binds.